HMS Albion’s Royal Marines exercise with Brunei forces

13/09/2018

Royal Marines Commandos based on the UK’s flagship HMS Albion have demonstrated what they could do working with Brunei’s forces should they ever be required in this part of the world.

With helicopters flying low overhead, landing craft from HMS Albion put commandos and Viking armoured vehicles on to the beach. The ‘enemy’ position was rapidly secured in a demonstration of the close co-operation between the armed forces of Brunei and the United Kingdom.

As well as comprehensive briefings aboard the Plymouth-based warship from senior officers, the sultan also met the exercise’s participants.

“What a fantastic experience – I got to shake hands with His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei. It has been a hoofing [awesome] deployment,” said Marine Sean Phipps, aged 26, from Aberdeen who is serving aboard Albion with 40 Commando.

HMS Albion (L14)

40 Commando

His Majesty the Sultan Of Brunei shakes hands with Marine Sean Phipps of 40 Commando Royal Marines

Royal Marines from 40 Cdo in an amphibious demonstration with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

His Majesty the Sultan Of Brunei with Commanding Officer of HMS Albion Captain Tim Neild RN

Royal Marines on an ORC whilst deployed on HMS Albion in Brunei

Royal Brunei Armed Forces during an amphibious demonstration

An LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) from HMS Albion

Royal Marines during the amphibious demonstration in Brunei

Members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

Royal Bruneian Armed Forces

What a fantastic experience – I got to shake hands with His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei. It has been a hoofing deployment

Marine Sean Phipps, 40 Commando Royal Marines

After months away from the UK, Major Alex Nixon RM, in charge of Charlie Company, 40 Commando, said Setia Kawan demonstrated that his men remained the tip of the spear.

“Being held at contingency means being ready: ready for operations, globally,” said the 34-year-old officer from Leicester.

“This exercise has proven the capabilities and versatility of the assets poised on HMS Albion – the ability to operate in a joint environment with a partner nation, and to deliver strategic and tactical effect.”

His Company Sergeant Major, Sergeant Nick Macfarlane, added, “This has been a great opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the Royal Marines to provide punch from the sea, onto the land.”

This was the third in the Setia Kawan series of exercises going back 21 years to veteran assault ship HMS Fearless, and again in 2009, with helicopter assault ship HMS Ocean.

“Engaging with key allies and partners in the region is exactly why the ship’s company and Royal Marines of HMS Albion are operating in the Asia Pacific region,” said Albion’s Commanding Officer Captain Tim Neild.

“The UK remains committed to the peace, security and prosperity of the region and we are very much looking forward to an opportunity to return in the future.”

Albion is into the final third of a nine-month deployment to the Pacific Rim. Having most recently spent an extended period in Japan and after paying a rare visit by the Royal Navy to Vietnam, the ship is gearing up for the most important military exercise of the autumn in the Middle East, Saif Sareea III, which begins next month.

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Captain
Tim Neild

Rank:
Captain

Born in Lancashire and educated at Ilkley Grammar School in West Yorkshire, Tim joined the Royal Navy in January 1991. Promoted to Captain in September 2016, he was appointed as the Captain of HMS Albion in March 2017.

Previous units

operations
Maritime security

British ships and units, which include the Royal Marines, are committed to operations around the world. Operations focus on maritime security, reassurance and wider regional engagement to build regional maritime capability.

International partnerships

As the fifth largest economy in the world, the UK has responsibilities towards its allies and partners. But Britain also has global ambitions – namely to protect the seaways underpinning the country’s prosperity. The Royal Navy plays a crucial role in fostering these enduring and lasting alliances with other nations.